FIFA scratches off blue card idea, but comes up with a new change

FIFA has abandoned the idea of ​​introducing a blue card, but announced a change to an existing rule that referees practically never enforce. Specifically, when the goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds. The current regulations state that for this time delay, the referee must award an indirect free kick to the opposing team in the penalty area.

Testing of this old-new rule will begin next season, and goalkeepers will be able to hold the ball longer than before – for eight seconds. But when three seconds have elapsed, the referee will raise his hand and start counting to five.

If the goalkeeper does not release the ball, they will be punished with a corner kick for the opposing team.

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Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association and member of the IFAB Board of Directors, explained the reasons for introducing this rule.

“We noticed a growing trend of time-wasting during matches, especially when the ball is in the hands of the goalkeeper. The situation for referees under the current rules is difficult, so we are extending the time to eight seconds. The referee will raise his hand to signal the last five seconds, so that players and spectators are aware. We will evaluate the effect and hope to increase the amount of pure playing time in matches,” Maxwell shared.